There's no question that locally grown fruits and veggies are more beautiful and more delicious. I love our Wisconsin farmers' markets at this time of year -- the colors, the aromas, the flavors; yet I always compare them to the wonderful outdoor markets in France where flowers, produce, and hand-lettered signs are all arranged so artistically. Enjoy a virtual stroll through the markets of Aix-en-Provence, Nice, and Paris.

Do you recognize this guy with the awesome beely-boppers? I rarely see him and his friends out during the day. I wonder if they're always here and I just haven't noticed them. On hot summer nights when I was a little girl, I'd capture dozens of them in a mason jar. Yet despite the lovely glow of my natural nightlight, I would worry about the little creatures and often sneak out before dawn to set them free.

"Spring flew swiftly by, and summer came; and if the village had been beautiful at first, it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness...The earth had donned her mantle of brightest green; and shed her richest perfumes abroad. It was the prime and vigour of the year; all things were glad and flourishing. ~ Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist

Just in time for a French Friday post, my signed copy of Nichole & Evan Robertson's The Paris Journal Book I arrived today (along with a few extra goodies -- Merci!). To properly immerse myself in the experience, I took my book out to lunch on the terrace of my favorite local café, chez Mélinda ;-)

As with an excellent wine or a decadent French pastry, The Paris Journal is a treat to be savored! Start with the wonderful matte cover and lovely, tactile paper (I really dislike fingerprints on glossy covers and images). Linger on each of Nichole's gorgeous photos for a truly unique Parisian perspective -- not a clichéd Eiffel Tower in site. Indulge in the imaginative musings of a jet-lagged American as she spends one day strolling along the Ile de Cité and the Ile Saint Louis, satisfying her cravings for French delicacies, and inventing quirky scenarios for the locals she keenly observes.

The French embrace indulgence while recognizing the necessity of moderation: just one small boule of really good ice cream, a generous slathering of salted butter on your baguette but only for breakfast, a warm croissant or pain au chocolate on a weekend morning, one lovely glass of Champagne or Bordeaux; but sometimes, it is far too tempting not to have just a little bit more. I had a hard time not devouring all of The Paris Journal in one sitting. I had to summon that French willpower to recognize that overindulgence diminishes the delightful anticipation of another opportunity to enjoy such pleasures. Happily, this is only the first book in The Paris Journal series. I look forward to continuing this narrative and photographic stroll through the city that will forever tempt me to return.Visit Obvious Statefor more of the Robertsons' amazing work, including Nichole's best-selling Paris in Colorbook, and Evan's wonderfully clever literary prints.

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"Do you know what you would do with a day in Paris?" ~ The Paris Journal

reading Wonderby R. J. Palacio. There is so much to learn from Auggie Pullman and his friends and family about life, self-esteem, acceptance, and compassion.

watchingThe Wonder Years on Netflix. I love the innocence and universal experiences of growing up, the funny kids' clothes from the late 60s and early 70s (What were our moms thinking?!), Kevin and Winnie's evolving relationship, and of course, the amazing sound track (The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Doors...).

listening to "At a moment like this I can't help but wonder, 'What would Jimmy Buffett do?'" Yes, it's summertime and Jimmy Buffett is in heavy rotation chez Larson-Horne. Boats, Bars, Beaches, Ballads is our soundtrack for evenings on the deck (of the house and the boat).

wondering how to keep up my French conversation skills. It's been a year since I stopped teaching French, and I've noticed that my opportunities to parle français are limited. I have been watching French films on Netflix and writing emails to my friends in France, but I need to cultivate more opportunities to practice. Perhaps I should Skype or have a Google Hangout avec mes amis, volunteer or teach at the Alliance française de Milwaukee, chat with Max at Le Rendez-vous or Didier at Lake Park Bistro, or better yet, start planning my next voyage en France. It seems I always have wonder wanderlust!